1
as in wise
displaying or marked by rude boldness
the nervy waiter held up the small tip and called out to the departing customers, "Hope it doesn't break the bank!"
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adventurous
inclined or willing to take risks
nervy rock climbers wanting to make gravity-defying ascents
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in nervous
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
I'm a little nervy about my first job interview
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nervy
Nevada scored a late TD in that one to cause a nervy final two minutes.
—
Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2025
But, while there have been the occasional nervy moments, Sels has also thrived under pressure.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
The thriller — more horrific than straight-up scary — is worth checking out, if only for the late Brittany Murphy's nervy turn as a razor-wielding woman confined to a sanatorium.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
And McConaughey, as a nervy reluctant hero, steers the searing, intense narrative about normal people living through the most hellish of circumstances.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2025
But, while there have been the occasional nervy moments, Sels has also thrived under pressure.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
The thriller — more horrific than straight-up scary — is worth checking out, if only for the late Brittany Murphy's nervy turn as a razor-wielding woman confined to a sanatorium.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
And McConaughey, as a nervy reluctant hero, steers the searing, intense narrative about normal people living through the most hellish of circumstances.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nervy
Adjective
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Or similarly, users pointing out that the Ratliff children, when seated three abreast, resemble the three wise monkeys of see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
7 Jan. 2026
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Up in the balcony, even Statler and Waldorf have stopped cracking wise.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The couple also chose an adventurous activity for their honeymoon in 1996.—
Ariana Quihuiz,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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Desserts, too, are both adventurous and delicious.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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From a portable power bank to keep your phone charged to noise-canceling headphones that will drown out stressful sounds, these travel accessories will help nervous fliers and frequent travelers alike have easier journeys.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
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But now there's a new robo-tech in town, and my Roadie 3 is looking very nervous indeed.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The piece connects to a halter-like piece around her neck and stretches down her torso and onto the cheeky bottoms.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
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However, Rodrigo’s version still revealed plenty of skin, thanks to its cheeky hemline in the back.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Vitale’s debut collection was one of the most anticipated of last season, and was lauded by critics as daring, original and delightfully wacky.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
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Directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, the two-part documentary explores the fascinating, hilarious, and often heartbreaking life story of one of Hollywood’s most daring satirists, tracing how laughter became Brooks’ lifelong survival tool.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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In response, the White House is planning to adjust its messaging strategy to focus on affordability to try to win over voters who are worried about the high cost of living with plans to emphasize new tax breaks and show progress on fighting inflation.—
Michelle L. Price,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
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Are Americans worried about inflation just wrong?—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Calf & Pony Hair The sleek, tactile surface of pony hair adds a bold edge to any accessory, creating a striking contrast in bags, hats, and footwear.—
Cortne Bonilla,
Vogue,
9 Nov. 2025
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Simone’s performance is mesmerizing—bold, vulnerable, and transformative.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Its height and solidity gave the sense of a play structure, the crossbar that loomed above the platform a climbing feature for the truly fearless, and the rope noose perfect for swinging and letting fly if only the gallows had been built over water.—
George Packer,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
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The fearless work of Black activists who were murdered led to historic victories in Congress and the courts.—
Equal Justice Initiative,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nervy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nervy. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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